Perseverance has paid off as the Oregon State coaching staff picked up two commitments before the New Year. The Beavers have opened up the recruiting pipeline to the South, picking up two teammates who are excited to make the move to the Pacific Northwest.

Ruston (LA) Ruston safety Cyril Noland and cornerback Kentrell Brice both pulled the trigger this week and committed to play for Oregon State. The duo had once pledged to play for hometown Louisiana Tech, but have decided that making the move out West was a better option for them.

"It was bittersweet (decommitting from Tech), but Oregon State will give us a change of scenery and will allow us to grow up," Noland said.

It has been quite the process for the Beavers who have been recruiting the two for quite some time.

"Coach Meeuwsen, the GA actually saw our film and passed it along to Coach Brasfield and Coach Heyward," Noland said. "We've spoken to all of them and just built a great relationship with them. We've just had great communication with them and have built amazing trust with them. I just got a vibe when talking with them and getting to know them."

While neither has visited the Oregon State campus yet, their official visit is slated for January 13, 2012. Noland was in Oregon in July for the inaugural "The Opening" at the NIKE Campus. There he got a feel for the Northwest as he went up against some of the best competition in the Nation.

"Academics are very important and I know that Oregon State has all of the tools available to help me make it to dental school," Noland said.